HYDERABAD, Sept 22: The incidence of hepatitis has reached an alarming level in the Oderolal area with more than 30 per cent of the population having been tested positive for the deadlier strains of hepatitis-B and C during a routine screening exercise.

This was stated by the EDO (health), Hyderabad, Dr Nazar Mohammad Junejo, at a polio awareness seminar organized by the Sindh Health Organization at Qasimabad here on Wednesday.

Dr Junejo blamed barbers, beauty parlours and quacks for the spread of hepatitis-B and C, an said that a seminar would be organized next week for owners of hair saloons and beauty parlours to apprise them about the hazards of the disease.

Referring to polio incidence, he said that parents refusing to administer anti-polio drops put their children's health at stake, adding that only they were found to be affected by the disease.

WHO's consultant Dr Domicina said that 28 polio cases had been detected all over Pakistan this year, adding that out of the total, 13 cases had been detected in Sindh.

She cautioned parents that it was the last opportunity to end the scourge of polio, adding that parents should let health authorities administer anti-polio drops to children. President of the Sindh Health Organization Dr Nasir Jamal Pathan, general-secretary Tanvir Shaikh and Shahida Aziz also spoke on the occasion.

TAX RETURNS: The commissioner, Income Tax, Hyderabad zone, here on Wednesday reminded taxpayers that September 30 was the last date for receipt of tax returns for 2004.

A notification issued here on Wednesday quoted him as saying that the returns would be received at all income tax offices in the Hyderabad zone, adding that easy availability of return forms had been ensured. Besides, he said that forms for newly- introduced turnover tax statements had also been made available.

He said that the scheme envisaged 0.75 per cent final tax for people selling goods to the general public for consumption, including manufacturers, dealers, distributors and others having a turnover of Rs5 million.

The Income Tax Commissioner informed that a taxpayers' facilitation centre had been established at the income tax office, Civil Lines. Tax payers had been advised to avail these facilities offered by the government. The commissioner advised that the tax returns should be completed in all respected.

LUMHS: The Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro, here on Wednesday fixed Oct 5 as the last date for submission of examination forms of the third professional MBBS (new course) biannual examination 2004 at the Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences Jamshoro, Chandka Medical College Larkana and Peoples Medical College for Girls, Nawabshah.

No late fee would be charged if forms are submitted by this date, the announcement said. Examination forms could be submitted along with the payment of a late fee amounting to Rs200 by Oct 11.